Z4000

The accessory for remotely running conventional is https://www.mthtrains.com/products/40-4001 - basically a remote way to vary the output voltage from the transformer.  It is no longer being manufactured, but is available on the secondary market at a wide variety of prices.  MTH named it "Remote Commander System"; this can cause some confusion with the DCS Commander, which is a completely different animal.

I saw a James Burns YouTube about it. Looks like something I’d like. Catch is. Only works with Z4000

If you already have a Lionel Base 2 or 3 , then adding a 6-37146 Legacy Powermaster >link here< will allow handheld remote control of Conventional trains from a Cab1L, Cab2, or Cab 3 app (however there's still a bug with full Cab 3 app/PowerMaster control).  Note that this blue Legacy version is different from the original black TMCC Powermaster.

~ 18VAC Power from your transformer runs through the Powermaster then to the track.  The Powermaster varies it's output voltage based on the commands you send from the Legacy handheld remote.

The first version is serial number starts 0398 (date code).  You want the second version or a date code later than 0398.  G

Thanks for the info

I know about the power master integration with Cab 2  I do have the blue one.What does that matter?

Do you mean why blue vs black Powermaster?  ...and if so do you have a Base 2 or Base 3? (not the same as Cab 2 remote).

The Blue Legacy Powermaster gets it's commands wireless from a Legacy Base 1L, 2, or 3.  Its integration with a Legacy Base is simpler than the TMCC PM.

The Black TMCC Powermaster connects to any Lionel Base via a 9-pin serial connection.  If you want to use it with a Base 3, an LCS Ser-2 is required for its 9-pin serial to PDI bus conversion.  The TMCC Powermaster can also receive wireless commands directly from a original Black TMCC Cab 1 remote.

I have a base 2 and a cab3  I know that the blue power master doesn't require the additional tmcc pm which is nice But since my MRC Dual Power Plus is broken I'm thinking that if I get  a Z 4000 and the remote it would be simpler than Lionels powwermaster arrangement I know that Lionel hasn't worked out .an easy system for the Cab3 which I have and haven't been entirely happy with But hey I can run separately a  Lionel transformer to the track and run conventional that way and far cheaper and simpler

"I'm thinking that if I get  a Z 4000 and the remote"

The downside is neither of these is current production (not sure about the Z4000) and this a deadend technology in some ways. Consider, as an alternative getting the more expensive but current production ZW-L, which has four built in Powermasters for conventional running using the cab-1L or the Legacy remote (cab-2).  It will also at least have a warranty, and likelihood of easier access to repairs,  unlike the remote for the Z-4000.

Yea That's a good possibly  So the ZW-l can easily connect to the Cab1-lL which I have right?

And also the Cab 2?

The Cab2 and Cab1L connect to your Base 3.  Base 3 will talk to the ZW-L as intended after the Bugs are fixed.

Does that ZW L require 2 bricks?

@Bob is cool! posted:

Does that ZW L require 2 bricks?

No. The ZWL is a transformer. You might be thinking of the ZWC controller. Which does need the bricks.

Essentially the equivalent of 4x 180W bricks worth of power are built-in to the ZWL.

That sounds great!  Now to afford one